Symptoms of heart disease depend on the type. Learn the different signs of cardiomyopathy, atherosclerosis, and arrhythmias, for example.

Heart Disease Symptoms

If the phrase “heart disease” makes you picture an elderly man
clutching his chest, you’re thinking of a common outcome of heart disease: a
heart attack. However, heart attacks and heart disease are not the same.

Are You at Risk for Heart Disease?

You may not experience any symptoms until you have a heart
attack or stroke. Or, your symptoms may seem so minor that you don’t recognize
or report them until it’s too late. There are many subtle symptoms of heart
disease, but, if you are aware of them, you can help head off deadly
consequences, especially if:

your doctor has warned you that you’re at risk for heart disease

you’re overweight

you’re inactive

you’re a smoker

you eat a high-fat diet

you have diabetes

you have high blood pressure

you have high cholesterol

General Symptoms

In general, chest pain, or angina, is a common symptom of heart
disease. You may feel discomfort in your chest. Some people experience tightness
or a squeezing sensation around their breastbone. The pain may radiate to the
neck, down the arms and stomach, or into the upper back. If you are very tired
or have difficulty catching your breath after minor exertion, you may have
symptoms of heart disease. These symptoms typically ease with rest.

Women’s Symptoms

Women often experience symptoms that are different from what men
experience. For example, women may have:

nausea

vomiting

back pain

jaw pain

cold sweats

paleness

dizziness

fainting

Women may have more difficulty recognizing heart disease because
their symptoms can be attributed to other illnesses. Women also tend to have
other risk factors such as depression, stress, and smoking.

Atherosclerosis

The symptoms of heart disease you may have will depend on the
type of heart problem you have.

Atherosclerosis is a hardening and stiffening of blood vessels
caused by plaque deposits. Symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath.
Unusual pain, coldness, numbness, or even weakness in your arms and legs can be
symptoms. These symptoms are caused by a lack of blood supply to your
extremities.

Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias, or irregular heart rhythms, have different
symptoms. An arrhythmia may be a heartbeat that’s too fast, too slow, or
irregular. It can feel like fluttering, a racing heartbeat, or an unusually
slow pulse. An arrhythmia also may present with chest pain, fainting spells,
lightheadedness, or dizziness.

Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects are heart problems that are present at
birth. They are usually diagnosed at birth or in early childhood. Sometimes,
they may not be diagnosed until adulthood, depending on the severity of
symptoms. These include:

shortness of breath

blue-tinged skin

tiring easily

swelling in the extremities

In general, the more serious the congenital defect, the earlier
it will manifest.

Cardiomyopathy

When the heart muscle becomes overly thick or stiffens
(cardiomyopathy), several symptoms occur that may be difficult to immediately
link to the heart. These include:

shortness of breath

swollen lower legs, ankles, or feet

bloating

fatigue

a pounding or fluttering pulse

Heart Infections

Three main types of heart infection — pericarditis, myocarditis,
and endocarditis — affect different parts of the heart and have slightly
different symptoms. Symptoms are similar to those of cardiomyopathy, but may
also include skin rashes or a cough that won’t go away.

It can be difficult to interpret these symptoms on your own, especially
because swollen lower extremities, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and other
symptoms can indicate any number of heart issues or other illnesses. For this
reason, it’s wise to develop an ongoing relationship with a doctor who is
familiar with your family and personal history.

A doctor who knows your habits and lifestyle
will be better able to diagnose your illness. Contact a doctor before you
experience symptoms of heart disease. Have regular checkups, and listen to your
doctor’s advice for living a healthier lifestyle.

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